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Amphibian, reptiles and herbivore mammals in the Arctic
Arctic ecosystems are relatively young in geological terms, having primarily developed over the past three million years. Generally, species richness is lower in the Arctic compared to more southerly regions, aligning with scientific observations that biodiversity decreases from the Equator to the poles.
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Camping in Antarctica: a True Expedition Experience
We often think of camping as a summer activity, filled with warm nights, campfire dinners, and serene mountain lakes. However, there's a whole other world of camping to explore.
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How Arctic Wildlife Differs from Antarctic
While the north and south poles share certain characteristics, they are also remarkably distinct. Both regions are cold and dry, yet each has its own unique terrain and climate. The Antarctic is particularly harsh and inhospitable, with only two native vascular plant species, whereas the Arctic tundra supports a wider range of fauna due to its relatively warmer temperatures and greater plant diversity. Here are some of the animals you can find in the Arctic compared to the Antarctic.
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Visa to Argentina for Antarctic Expedition Travelers (2025 Guide)
Introduction
Argentina is the main gateway for travelers heading to Antarctica, with most expedition cruises departing from the southern city of Ushuaia. Whether you’re flying in through Buenos Aires or connecting domestically, knowing Argentina’s visa requirements is critical for a smooth journey before and after your polar adventure.
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What to Expect When Crossing the Drake Passage
Positioned between the southern tail of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula's north-sweeping arm is a lively little waterway known as the Drake Passage.
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15 Fantastic Photos of Antarctica
It is often said that it's impossible to take a bad picture in Antarctica.
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Get to Know Your Ice
Ice plays a crucial role in everything from cooling your drink to regulating the planet's temperature. Let's explore the various forms of ice you might encounter during an Arctic or Antarctic adventure.
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15 Toothy Facts About the Atlantic Walrus
The walrus is one of the most recognizable animals on the planet, and for good reason. Try sneaking into a cinema with those tusks!
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Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure
There’s an astonishing variety of activities to choose from when planning an Arctic trip or Antarctic cruise, which can be a bit overwhelming. How do you choose just one voyage over another when you want to experience everything? Happily, you don’t have to give up one activity for another. Basecamp cruises have you covered.
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Northeast Greenland National Park
Northeast Greenland National Park is the world’s largest national park and the ninth largest protected area on Earth. It should come as little surprise, then, that it’s also bigger than most countries, covering an impressive 972,000 square km (375,300 square miles).
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Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals
If your thirst for adventure leads you to Antarctica, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal while you’re there. These amazing animals are wonderful to observe both in and out of the water, and they are a coveted part of the polar wildlife experience.
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Life migrating through the Polar Front
Since James Cook’s second voyage to Antarctica from 1772-1775, which provided the first descriptions of Antarctic animals, scientists have progressively uncovered the biodiversity of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. Numerous expeditions and research projects have since been undertaken to understand the unique ecosystems of this continent.
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Diving in Antarctica: The Ultimate Underwater Experience
Ice diving offers an extraordinary experience on an Antarctica diving trip. The dive sites are teeming with a unique array of colorful marine life, including penguins and leopard seals, which are exclusive to this region.
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Light in the Land of the Midnight Sun
The midnight sun, also referred to as the polar day, is a fascinating natural event observed within the Arctic and Antarctic circles. During the polar summer, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours a day, resulting in continuous daylight without any sunrise or sunset. This phenomenon occurs due to the Earth's seasonal tilt towards the sun during the summer months in these regions.
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Wreck Diving in Antarctica
Scuba diving in Antarctica is an unparalleled adventure. Few places on Earth allow you to swim beneath icebergs and potentially encounter penguins or leopard seals. But the wonders of Antarctic diving don't end there.
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A Diving Dream Fulfilled
Last January, Mark Hatter achieved a dream he’d been training for over two years. Booking his berth aboard the m/v Ortelius and making the long flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, he and two of his friends sailed down the famous Drake Passage, bound for Earth’s southernmost continent. But their Antarctica trip was not just about shoreline walks and photographing penguins.
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Solargraphy & Pin Hole photography in the Arctic
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The History of Antarctica in Maps
Long before human eyes ever beheld Antarctica, the ancients were convinced that it existed – or at least something like it.
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Greenland's History: When Vikings Ruled the Ice Age
A Greenland cruise offers a journey into a rich history filled with intriguing details that captivate polar expedition enthusiasts. Among the most fascinating historical aspects is the fact that Vikings once ruled this land. Anthropologists and climate scientists have long studied Greenland to pinpoint when and why the Vikings left. Recent findings have shed new light on this historical culture.
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Antarctic Icon: 44 Facts About the Emperor Penguin
What polar bears are for the Arctic, emperor penguins are for Antarctica. These flightless aquatic birds are probably the most recognizable animals in the southern polar regions and certainly among the most popular wildlife attractions for our passengers.